Goldman, Moskovitz, Win Jewish Star – Full Photo Gallery

A sold out crowd filled Brooklyn College on Monday night for the live finals show of “A Jewish Star” international Jewish singing competition.

After much anticipation and strong performances on stage, Choni Goldman of Johannesburg, South Africa, was chosen as the Jewish Star 2012.

The feeling in the room was electric and fans watched with bated breath as the three finalists were chosen from the first round of performances – Moshe Biton of Teveryah, Choni Goldman of Johannesburg and Shimi Marcovich of Mexico.

In the final round of performances Choni Goldman was chosen as the Jewish Star winner by judges Avrohom Fried, Eli Gerstner, Yossi Green and Mendy Pellin.

Dovid Moskovitz of Flushing, NY, was chosen as the junior winner who wowed the judges and the crowd with an upbeat version of Adon Olam.

“I’ve been involved in music since I was 2 or 3,” he recalled before the show. “I never took voice lessons, but I think I have what it takes to be the next Jewish Star. Music is in my soul.”

Superstar Lipa Schmeltzer had the crowd on their feet with hits including “hentelach” and “abi m’lebt.”

“This was not around when I was young,” Lipa said. “It’s so amazing that Jewish Star gives everyone who wants a chance.”

Goldman was handed his prize – keys to a new car, by Eli Furstand and Abe Greenbaum of Plaza Auto Leasing. He also wins a single produced by Eli Gerstner and will perform on the Chabad Telethon in Hollywood, California, this September.

The show ended with excited fans crowding the stage to congratulate Goldman and Moskovitz on their win.

“It was an amazing event,” said one excited audience member. “Jewish Star is such a powerful and important medium for Jewish music worldwide.”